Tracks in snow and population size estimation : the wolf Canis lupus in Finland

摘要: The estimation of large carnivore populations presents major logistical challenges. We examined trends in the wolf Canis lupus population Finland using two independent methods. compared track indices from an annual wildlife winter census based on a constant, nationwide network transect lines (wildlife triangles) with number reproductions confirmed to occur same year during 1996 2009. Nationwide, and eastern management zone, which is core area Finnish wolves, frequency tracks triangles (% all counted given having tracks) predicted quite well log transformed taken place these areas (adjusted R2-values for linear regression models 0.59 0.68, respectively), while not western zone (R2 = 0.38). However, although mean densities were low (< 1 wolf/1000 km2 <3 wolves/1000 zone), could detect Finland...